The Importance and Dangers of Phosphorus

Phosphorus, symbolized as P in chemistry, is a vital element with an atomic number of 15. It plays a crucial role in biological systems, being a component of ATP, DNA, and RNA. Phosphorus is abundant in the human body, second only to calcium, and is essential for waste filtration and tissue repair. It is commonly found in protein-rich foods. While deficiency is rare, excess phosphorus can lead to health issues like kidney disease. Beyond biology, phosphorus is used in fertilizers, detergents, and matches. Its presence in ecosystems is critical, but excessive amounts can cause environmental problems like algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in water bodies, harming aquatic life.

How does phosphorus contribute to algal blooms?

Describe the environmental impact of excessive phosphorus in water bodies.